San Diego Philanthropist Announces 2025 Scholarship Awardee

Efren Elias Gamez-Beltran aims to expand mental healthcare access for underserved communities.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 12:34pm

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David Malcolm, a San Diego-based real estate expert, has awarded a scholarship to Efren Elias Gamez-Beltran, a medical student at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Gamez-Beltran, who immigrated from Mexico with his family at age 7, has overcome adversity and is pursuing a career in psychiatry to expand mental healthcare access for Hispanic and other immigrant communities.

Why it matters

The scholarship program supports students who have faced challenges in their lives and are seeking to make a positive impact on their communities through higher education. Gamez-Beltran's story highlights the importance of providing educational opportunities for underrepresented and underserved populations.

The details

Gamez-Beltran co-founded a business with his father to pay for school when he was undocumented. His sister's suicide attempt and his mother's hidden struggles led him to pursue a career in psychiatry. He has already made an impact by working at a free clinic for the uninsured and co-founding an organization to mentor students interested in healthcare careers.

  • Gamez-Beltran immigrated from Mexico with his family at age 7.
  • Since 2019, Gamez-Beltran has worked at Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada, a free clinic for the uninsured.
  • Since 2021, David Malcolm has supported students' educational journeys through his scholarship program.

The players

Efren Elias Gamez-Beltran

A medical student at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas who is pursuing a career in psychiatry to expand mental healthcare access for Hispanic and other immigrant communities.

David Malcolm

A San Diego-based community leader, entrepreneur, and real estate expert who has supported students' educational journeys through his scholarship program since 2021.

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What they’re saying

“Efren is already walking the talk while he relentlessly pursues his education. He has overcome adversity and has a vision of enhancing the public health system. It is my pleasure to award him a David Malcolm Scholarship.”

— David Malcolm, Philanthropist (PRNewswire)

“This will help me focus fully on completing my medical training. I want to become the kind of physician who helps patients find both their voice and their hope.”

— Efren Elias Gamez-Beltran, Scholarship Recipient (PRNewswire)

“My lesson is that success is not measured by ease, but by endurance.”

— Efren Elias Gamez-Beltran, Scholarship Recipient (PRNewswire)

The takeaway

This scholarship program supports students who have faced challenges in their lives and are seeking to make a positive impact on their communities through higher education, highlighting the importance of providing educational opportunities for underrepresented and underserved populations.